A would-be robber threatened a woman with a knife and pushed her to the ground in a bid to steal her mobile phone.

The victim suffered a small cut to her back when she was held at knifepoint during the "terrifying" attack on a footpath near Tarragon Road, Maidstone.

She had been stopped by the man who told her to put her phone on the ground as she made her way along the path leading from Maidstone Hospital to St Andrew's Park.

He then held what was described as a large knife to her body, which injured her lower back as she tried to get away.

The man, who is described as white and in his early 30s, then pushed her to the ground and fled empty handed.

He had a short beard and was wearing a black long sleeved jacket, dark top and dark bottoms.

The attempted robbery happened at 1.45pm on Monday, and police have now launched an appeal for witnesses.

Detective Constable Daniel Barkersaid: "Thankfully, the victim didn't suffer any serious injuries.

"We are keeping an open mind as to whether the offender meant to use the knife deliberately, but clearly this would have been a terrifying ordeal.

"This is usually a very safe path for people to walk along and I would like to stress that this type of crime remains very rare.

"However, it is very important that anyone who may have seen this man contacts us immediately.

"We are particularly keen to speak to a cyclist who was nearby and who we believe the victim shouted to for help."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and request extension 129072, quoting reference YY/019332/14, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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